Cleopatra — Volume 05 eBook

This exclamation was followed by order after order,
and the promise that, if necessary, she would show
herself to the people.

The Exegetus was filled with admiration as he received
the clear, sagacious directions. After he had
retired with his companions, the Queen again turned
to the Regent, saying: “We did wisely to
make the people happy at first with tidings of victory.
The unexpected news of terrible disaster might have
led them to some unprecedented deed of madness.
Disappointment is a more common pain, for which less
powerful remedies will suffice. Besides, many
things could be arranged ere they knew that I was
here. How much we have accomplished already,
Mardion! But I have not even granted myself the
joy of seeing my children. I was forced to defer
the pleasure of the companionship of my oldest friends,
even Archibius. When he comes again he will be
admitted. I have given the order. He knows
Rome thoroughly. I must hear his opinion of pending
negotiations.”

She shivered as she spoke, and pressing her hand upon
her brow, exclaimed: “Octavianus victor,
Cleopatra vanquished! I, who was everything
to Caesar, beseeching mercy from his heir. I,
a petitioner to Octavia’s brother! Yet,
no, no! There are still a hundred chances of
avoiding the horrible doom. But whoever wishes
to compel the field to bear fruits must dig sturdily,
draw the buckets from the well, plough, and sow the
seed. To work, then, to work! When Antony
returns he must find all things ready. The first
success will restore his lost energy. I glanced
through yonder letter while talking with the Exegetus;
now I will dictate the answer.”

So she sat reading, writing, and dictating, listening,
answering, and giving orders, until the east brightened
with the approach of dawn, the morning star grew pale,
and the Regent, utterly exhausted, entreated her to
consider her own health and his years, and permit him
a few hours’ rest.

Then she, too, allowed herself to be led into her
darkened chamber, and this time a friendly, dreamless
slumber closed her weary eyes and held her captive
until roused by the loud shouts of the multitude, who
had heard of the Queen’s return and flocked
to Lochias.

ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS:

Without heeding the opinion of mortals

*** Endoftheprojectgutenberg
EBOOK Cleopatra, byGeorgEbers,
V5 ***

*********This file should be named ge39v10.txt or
ge39v10.zip **********

Corrected editions of our eBooks get a new number,
ge39v11.txt versions based on separate sources
get new letter, ge39v10a.txt

This eBook was produced by David Widger widger@cecomet.net

Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several
printed editions, all of which are confirmed as Public
Domain in the us unless a copyright notice is
included. Thus, we usually do not keep eBooks
in compliance with any particular paper edition.